Confusion Behind Fashionable Team Kenya in the Paris Olympics 2024: Modern and Culture

As the world converges on Paris for the 2024 Olympic Games, Team Kenya's fashion choices have sparked a mix of emotions among fashion enthusiasts in Kenya and the wider region. The team's collection, blending modern elements with traditional culture, has become a topic of heated discussion and debate.

Talking with the RCFS's MEDIA  Zeeby Twebaze from Uganda praised the team's organization and fashion sense, stating, "Team Kenya is well organized and very fashionable." He further emphasized the unique fusion of culture and modernity in their attire, describing it as "amazing and unique collections."

[PHOTO: Team Kenya members for the Paris Olympics 2024- collections were designed by Kovu Couture sponsored and produced by Vivo Woman]

However, not everyone shares this enthusiasm. A Nairobi-based fashion designer, while appreciating certain aspects of the collection, expressed reservations: "To be honest, I like the colors. Red is a good color and is in our flag, but the rest I don't like." She also noted that while the collection looks good, she doesn't see much beyond Maasai culture represented.

The selection process for the designer behind Team Kenya's 2024 collections has come under scrutiny, with many Kenyans voicing their concerns on social media platforms. Some have accused the organizers of lacking transparency and fairness in their choice. On Instagram, Wamboo Claire criticized: "You guys held a competition to source the best designs, you didn't even announce the winner. In fact, you all went quiet after the participants sent their ideas only for you to come up with this."

[PHOTO: Team Kenya member for the Paris Olympics 2024- collection were designed by Kovu Couture sponsored and produced by Vivo Woman]

The sentiment of disappointment is echoed by others who feel that the chosen designs do not adequately represent Kenya's diverse fashion landscape. One particularly strong statement on Instagram read, "Stop humiliating our stars by dressing them up with 'manguo za ushamba.' We have great fashion designers in this country, use them." The phrase "manguo za ushamba," which in Kiswahili means "clothes for farming," underscores the perception that the designs are outdated or unsophisticated.

Fashion industry insider Joram Mulwa didn't mince words, calling the collection "complete bullshit" and "an insult to the Kenyan fashion community." He lamented the lack of creativity and originality, pointing out that the uniforms have remained largely unchanged since Kenya began participating in the Olympics. Mulwa criticized the overreliance on Maasai-inspired elements, arguing that simply incorporating accessories from the Maasai market doesn't equate to creativity.

[PHOTO: collections were designed by Kovu Couture sponsored and produced by Vivo Woman for the Team Kenya in the Paris Olympics]

"High-low dresses for any Olympic team? No effort in this uniform," Mulwa continued. "Always putting Maasai garments on every uniform doesn't make it creative. This is disappointing. Our athletic team is by far one of the best teams globally. It is a shame for them to always be in whack."

Despite the widespread criticism, some prominent figures in Kenya's fashion industry stand behind the collection. Wandia Gicuru, CEO and founder of Vivo Women, expressed pride in the designs. She shared on Instagram: "Check out @trizahatuka, the Kenyan flag bearer, in the outfit she and the entire women's team will wear at the Olympic opening ceremony!! Isn't she gorgeous? It's a very proud moment for us!!"

[PHOTO: collections were designed by Kovu Couture sponsored and produced by Vivo Woman for the Team Kenya in the Paris Olympics]

Gicuru provided insight into the collaborative effort behind the collection. According to her, the designs were created by @kovu_couture, with sponsorship and production handled by @vivo_woman. Accessories were contributed by @ushangake, while the overall styling was orchestrated by @conniealuoch.

The controversy surrounding Team Kenya's Olympic fashion highlights the challenges of representing a nation's diverse cultural heritage on a global stage. It raises questions about the balance between tradition and modernity, the importance of inclusivity in design selection, and the role of fashion in national identity.

[PHOTO: collections were designed by Kovu Couture sponsored and produced by Vivo Woman for the Team Kenya in the Paris Olympics]

As the Olympic Games approach, the debate is likely to continue, with supporters praising the collection's cultural significance and detractors calling for more innovation and representation of Kenya's diverse fashion talent. Regardless of the divided opinions, one thing is clear: Team Kenya's appearance at the Paris Olympics 2024 will be closely watched, not just for their athletic prowess but also for their sartorial choices.

[PHOTO: Team Kenya member for the Paris Olympics 2024- collection were designed by Kovu Couture sponsored and produced by Vivo Woman]

[PHOTO: Team Kenya members for the Paris Olympics 2024- collection were designed by Kovu Couture sponsored and produced by Vivo Woman]

[PHOTO: collections were designed by Kovu Couture sponsored and produced by Vivo Woman for the Team Kenya in the Paris Olympics]

THE RCFS's MEDIA